Research in the laboratory focuses on the pathogenic mechanisms of cancer with particular focus on liver cancer. We are investigating the mechanisms underlying processes that sustain tumor progression such as tumor-stromal interactions, tumor infiltration and metastatic dissemination. The goal is to elucidate mechanisms driving cancer progression, with the ultimate goal of identifying targets for developing drugs that interfere with the evolution of the malignant process. Major research interests include primary and secondary hepatic tumors: i) pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (i.e. tumor-stromal interactions, invasion and metastasis); ii) the role of the tumor microenvironment in the development and growth of liver metastasis; iii) identification of molecular therapeutic targets and development of new drugs in liver cancer.

The main investigated molecular determinants include tetraspanins, integrine & ECM proteins and proteases. More recently, my research interest focuses on molecular mechanisms involving lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) in mediating both the paracrine interactions between stromal fibroblasts and cancer cells and the autocrine self-sustaining tumor growth supported by LPA receptor 6 (LPAR6), which we have recently characterized. The LPA signaling pathway is an attractive target for pharmacological interventions in HCC on which we are currently working.